Total number of reviews: 46

NOTE: All reviews are authentic. Only students who booked their course through us can publish evaluations here, and only after the end of their programme. These evaluations then are not manipulated in any way, neither by us nor by the school, and can be trusted as honest opinions about personal experiences with the school.

Average Rating

Based on 46 reviews of former students of International House - Riviera Maya

The residence was okay but the breakfast was misrepresented on your website. It was actually pretty bad. Scrambled eggs and toast. It would have been nice to have a Mexican breakfast with fruit and beans, etc. Also, regarding the teaching, I should have asked for homework and some information on what we would be learning the next day so I could use my time better to study pertinent information.

The front door to the residence is across from the church. We has a bit of a difficult time finding the front door when we arrived. You also might want to direct students to ask for the bus station close to the school. We walked with our suitcases from the one on Calle 4.

The instructor, Lucy. Also, the school's willingness to help with issues outside of the norm--doctors, housing, anything. The staff in Playa del Carmen is truly amazing.

Insider tips about what future students should not miss

I entered as an Elementary Level student and stayed for 4 weeks. I really feel I needed at least two months but couldn't do that, due to family, other obligations. Would recommend staying longer if you are able. If not, plan to return within a year. I am continuing my studies at home, with Duolingo application as well as Rosetta Stone and CDs.

Other comments

The air conditioning system could use some improvement. I realize this is a tropical environment, but it made it tedious to study at times.

9. Sep. 2013

19. Gina (34 years) - 119. Course: Intensive Group Course - 5 weeks

Overall Rating

Value for money

Detailed review

City/place

School organization

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Social activities

Quality of teaching / language progress

Additional information

Positive aspects of school

The level of teaching and the warmness, it seems to be a small family

Insider tips about what future students should not miss

Keep an open mind, because firstly you are in a different country and should be respected the traditions and culture, and secondly, you will meet people from all over the world. Follow the lessons and especially practice the language without searching or forming groups of the same nationality. Mingle yourself with the knowledge of the people and language.

Excellent setting and potentially great school. The social activities were excellent.

Insider tips about what future students should not miss

Nonstop bus from airport arrives less than one block from residence. No need to pay more. I paid $75 for transport from the airport, an unnecessary expense. The residence is almost ideal. It is close to the school and situated near restaurants and services. The rooms are basic but comfortable.

Other comments

The school has serious, but correctable problems. I came to improve my speaking, but did not receive a sufficient chance to do so, because of 7 students in my class. 7 is too many. Most of the 7 students spoke better than me. As a result, they dominated the discussions. Also, when my ability was initially evaluated, they determined my speaking ability was only intermediate level one, but they made no effort to determine my grammar level. As a result, I did not learn anything new in grammar. And sadly, I did not get enough chance to improve my speaking.
The student residence is excellent, but the food needs improvement. It would not take much effort. Also, at the residence, students should be encouraged to speak only Spanish. Again, this would not take much effort. Because I did not learn much Spanish and because I spent money on transport, scuba diving and salsa which was not well organized, I have given the school a low rating. The problems can be corrected.

Playa del Carmen is very touristy and has lots of nightlife, but the lack of a good place for latin dancing was a surprise. The beach is nice and within walking distance. Multiple options for day trips, both organized and individual.

I had a lot of fun learning Spanish, very dedicated and friendly teachers and very dedicated and friendly staff, cafeteria in the school building, only 5 minutes to the beach. Residence: only 5 minutes to the beach and 5 minutes to the school.

Insider tips about what future students should not miss

The activities of the school are great and in the residence you can quickly meet other students.